Epstein, the Chicago-based architecture, interiors, engineering and construction firm, has recently completed a 90,000-square-foot headquarters for Serta International near Chicago.
Located in the Prairie Stone Development in Hoffman Estates, northwest of Chicago, the site borders and takes advantage of a protected wetlands area, allowing all work areas to have vistas to the outdoors.
“The design intent of the building is to float lightly on the sea of green prairie grass, reinforcing the notion of environmental sustainability and echoing the lines of the prairie landscape. The site is directly adjacent to a protected wetlands area which serves as an integral part of the storm water management system,” said Andrew L. Metter, senior vice president and senior principal designer for Epstein.
The project consists of 60,000 square feet of office, showroom and presentation areas, plus a 20,000 square foot research and development center as well as a 10,000 square foot basement.
The architectural massing of the building was developed to express the two main programmatic functions: research and development and office work space. The office work space is contained in the linear “bar” structure which parallels the property line of the site, opening to the wetlands. This allows natural light and equal visual access to the wetlands for all workers in the building.
The structure containing the R&D facility is designed to engage the “bar” structure at the programmatic center of the building.
The second level opens onto an outdoor deck area covered by a sunshade canopy, which is articulated as a pattern that reflects Serta’s interest in textures and fabrics. Epstein was also responsible for the design and engineering of a new 1,100 square foot data center within the main building.
About Epstein
Epstein was formed in 1921 and provides architecture, interior design, engineering, and construction services worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm maintains offices in Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Warsaw, Poland; and Bucharest, Romania.
Epstein consistently ranks among the leaders by well-known industry media including Engineering News Record, Building Design + Construction and Midwest Construction. The firm is well-known for its commercial, industrial, high-rise office, residential, municipal, and transportation projects. Epstein is also a leader in sustainable design, developing "green” solutions and technologies across all building types.
